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9-Year-Old Oakdale Girl Accidentally Shot by Sibling

A 9-year-old Oakdale girl was hospitalized after she was accidentally shot by a sibling Friday night.

Oakdale police responded to a call of a shooting around 6:30 p.m., in the 1800 block of Helena Road North. Police found the girl in an upstairs living room with a gunshot wound to her chest. She was alert and talking with responding police officers.

Police say one of the parents was repairing a rifle when the girl's 5-year-old bother grabbed it and then accidentally shot her.

The girl was taken to Regions Hospital, where she was listed in stable condition Friday night.

The case remains under investigation by Oakdale Police. Police say this should serve as a reminder on the importance of gun safety.

It is illegal in Minnesota to leave a loaded gun, where a child can get it.

At least 85 people in Minnesota have been convicted for leaving unsecured, loaded firearms within reach of a child since 2001.

Convictions stem from the Cap Law, which stands for Child Access Prevention.

The law requires parents with guns to keep them locked, unloaded and away from kids.